Comparing webometric with web-independent rankings: a case study with German universities

In this paper we examine if hyperlink-based (webometric) indicators can be used to rank academic websites. Therefore we analyzed the interlinking structure of German university websites and compared our simple hyperlink-based ranking with official and web-independent rankings of universities. We found that link impact could not easily be seen as a prestige factor for universities. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.5.4 [INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)]: Hypertext/Hypermedia - User issues. General Terms Measurement, Experimentation, Human Factors, Verification Keywords Webometrics, link analysis, university ranking, academic websites, correlation

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: CORR
• Authors: Mark Thamm, Philipp Mayr
• Keywords: Academic Websites, CORR 2011, Education, German University Websites, Simple Hyperlink-based Ranking